Industry fears over new Chinese import targets

The Recycling Association has warned that China’s plans to introduce a 0.5% out-throw limit will be difficult to comply with.

Following months of speculation, the Chinese government last week notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) that it would implement the new contamination level on paper, cardboard and plastics. A 1% contamination level will be allowed for non-ferrous metals.

China also outlined its plans to reduce the number of waste import licences allowed in 2018.

Adrian Jackson, president of the Recycling Association, said:

“Every part of the supply chain has to focus on quality first, so that we can continue to send secondary materials to our biggest purchaser.

“With plastics now banned, apart from a very small amount of post-production material, this should serve as a warning that unless we produce a quality product from other materials, we could risk losing the Chinese market altogether.

The Recycling Association has said it will be pushing for the Chinese government to adhere to the WTO’s requested transition period of five years.

Changes will be adopted on 31 December 2017, but will come into force on 1 March 2018.